Carnforth Hotels

A thriving wildlife haven with spectacular scenery

Nature lovers will find much to enjoy around Carnforth. Sitting at the north-east corner of Morecambe Bay, the town is just a few minutes' drive from the Leighton Moss Nature Reserve. Called home by everything from bats to otters, along with a wide range of birds, it was the site of the BBC's Autumnwatch programme in 2014. If you're lucky, you may even spot one of the resident red deer.

The Greenlands Farm Village offers a great family day out, with the opportunity to get up close to a variety of farm animals. It also has a pottery studio, farm shop and mini golf.

If you fancy a hike along one of Carnforth's many surrounding trails, Warton Crag comes highly recommended. Overlooking the town, this limestone peak offers stunning views from the top, as well as being close to the region's canal network.

Stop off at the station for a brief encounter

If Carnforth's quaint railway station looks familiar to you, it's because it occupies a special place in cinema. This iconic platform provided the setting for none other than David Lean's 1945 classic Brief Encounter – arguably one of the greatest romance movies of all time. Fans of the film will be able to re-enact their favourite scenes in the Brief Encounter Refreshment Room, while the accompanying Heritage Centre provides an overview of the station's history.

A luxurious mansion open to visitors

Leighton Hall is the traditional home of the Gillow family. Set in the idyllic Lancashire countryside, this opulent house has much to offer, and not just in terms of its architecture and history. Bird of prey displays, kids' play areas and tearooms are all part of the package, with special events such as classic car shows throughout the year.

Food and Accommodation

Fine dining and decent pub grub are equally provided for in Carnforth. The Catch 23 restaurant on Kellet Lane, for example, offers a variety of excellent fare in a cosy environment, without going overboard on price. The Eagle's Head offers hearty portions and pub favourites.

When it comes to choosing where to stay, there are a variety of Carnforth hotels on offer – not least the County Hotel, which provides a tranquil atmosphere from which to explore the local area.